Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor

Brooklyn Botanic Garden; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

NYC Protected Time-Off

Short-term disability/New York Paid F"

Museum Pass

Free Garden admission

Employee discount

Job summary

Brooklyn Botanic Garden seeks a Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor to design and deliver compost-focused curricula for BBG’s community programs. The role partners with the Community Field Manager to support gardens, teach adults, and coordinate events both on-site and in the community.

Qualified applicants will have a related degree or experience, strong teaching skills, and a commitment to environmental justice.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in education, horticulture, environmental science, or related field preferred or 2 years’ related experience in composting/education
• Master Composter certification preferred
• Strong writing and teaching abilities for diverse audiences

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate compost- and soil-focused curricula for BBG programs
• Co-facilitate and prepare instructional materials for BUG and related initiatives
• Develop compost programs for Discovery Garden and events
• Provide outreach at public events and maintain data for program records
• Ensure inclusive, welcoming learning environments for participants
• Attend partner meetings and report back to the team

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Excellent writing

Teaching

Team collaboration

Public outreach

Outdoor work

Education

BA/BS in education or related

Master Composter certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & Instructor

Seasonal Brooklyn, NY, US

Position Title: Seasonal Community Composting Assistant & InstructorDepartment: Education (Community Greening)Reports to: Community Field ManagerFLSA Status: Part-time Seasonal, Non-exemptTerm: September 2026–June 30, 2027Compensation: $26 per hour

Position Description: The community composting assistant & instructor at Brooklyn Botanic Garden works directly with the community field manager to provide technical assistance to a wide range of community-based groups, such as community gardens and block associations, throughout Brooklyn. Additionally, they develop, coordinate, and implement both large- and small-scale horticulture-related educational programs both on- and off-site. Brooklynites with a background in community organizing are especially encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Design and facilitate compost- and soil-focused curricula, classes, and programs for adult learners involved in BBG Community Greening programs, such as Brooklyn Urban Gardener (BUG), Community Garden Alliance, Street Tree Stewardship, and one-off seasonal community classes.
• Participate in the ongoing development, implementation, and facilitation of the BUG program, including co-facilitation and preparing materials for instruction.
• Develop and facilitate compost programs for Discovery Garden and special events at the Garden.
• Assist with nursery logistics required for plant material maintenance and distribution; logistics and acquisition of in-kind donations.
• Develop and deliver educational events on best practices in urban composting both at BBG and in community spaces.
• Uphold an inclusive, antiracist environment for our diverse students, volunteers, and staff to ensure programs are safe, welcoming, and engaging.
• Assist with planning and executing annual Making Brooklyn Bloom conference, including organizing speakers, workshops, and exhibitors; managing lead-up and day-of operations.
• Maintain and update Community Garden Alliance database, including contact information for program constituents and seasonal data projects.
• Assist with planning and execution of Alliance plant giveaway and networking events at BBG as well as community workdays at compost/Alliance sites.
• Coordinate acquisition of compost for community giveaways and demonstrations.
• Assist with execution of annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition, including teaching block-visit workshops throughout the spring and driving and supporting judges.
• Answer phone and email inquiries to program hotline and email addresses relating to compost, composting, and street tree stewardship.
• Provide administrative support including data entry, scheduling, invoicing, budget tracking, supply orders, attendance tracking, program evaluation, and reporting.
• Attend meetings with partnering organizations such as the New York City Community Compost Network and report back to team.
• Assist in writing and updating horticulture and compost tip sheets and articles.
• Conduct outreach and tabling at public events.
• Perform other related duties or special projects as needed.

Qualifications:

• Valid NYS driver’s license (driving required)
• BA or BS degree in education, horticulture, environmental science, or related field preferred or 2 years’ related career experience in composting, horticulture or education
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and commitment to environmental and social justice
• Knowledge of some gardening practices and compost science required
• Master Composter certification preferred
• Experience with educating adult learners in formal or informal settings preferred
• Enthusiasm and curiosity for compost, plants, science, and the natural world
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team (exercising punctuality, reliability, flexibility, and collaboration)
• Competency with Microsoft Office applications
• Willingness to work outdoors every day in various weather conditions and ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting up to 30 pounds
• Knowledge of a second language a plus
• Excellent writing and teaching skills
• Keen interest and ease in working with the public, along with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to teach classes and support programmatic events
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift tools, gardening materials, etc.

Schedule:

This is a seasonal position from September 2026 to June 30, 2027. The compost instructor will work up to 20 hours per week, with a typical weekly schedule of Tuesday– Thursday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend program support will be required.

This position is funded through June 30, 2027.

• BBG offers certain benefits to part-time employees including:
  • NYC Protected Time-Off: up to 56 hours of paid leave and 32 hours of unpaid leave
  • Short-term disability/New York Paid Family Leave
• As a 501(c)3, BBG is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for free
• Free Garden admission for employee plus one guest
• Employee discount at BBG’s retail shop and food venues

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.